- Re: Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Log In

Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Author: Gavin (---.midsouth.biz.rr.com)
Date: 05-27-08 14:38

POST DELETED For Improper Content

Re: Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Author: Frank (---.static.gwi.net)
Date: 05-27-08 15:24

Wow.
I'm speechless.

My thoughts are in "barely-broken" English, but since I am speechless, I can't share them right now.

Wow.

Reply To This Message

Re: Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Author: MJ (---.coqui.net)
Date: 05-27-08 15:47

I'm not speechless. Gavin, I'd suggest you go for some humanity therapy before you touch a computer keyboard again (or walk out your door, if you have a door, again). THIS IS A FORUM ABOUT CULEBRA, WHICH IS PART OF PUERTO RICO, THEREFORE...YOU IGNORANT CRETIN, PUERTO RICANS LIVE HERE. And while there are certainly rude Puerto Rican's, you have the market on disgustingly rude. So...oh wait!!! Are you Puerto Rican? Surely no American could be so culturally ignorant.
I take it you met NO nice locals (gosh, I wonder why). Your loss. Our gain. How embarrassing to be you.

And the above, boys and girls, is why Americans are SOOO beloved in the rest of the world. Sadly enough, while there are many exceptions to that generalization, the Gavins of the US are the ones everyone remembers vividly.

Reply To This Message

Re: Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Author: Frank (---.static.gwi.net)
Date: 05-27-08 15:54

You know MJ, if I hadn't actually been rendered speechless by Gavin-The-Ugly, I would have said exactly what you said. I'm kinda glad I WAS speechless ... your post was a fun read. If only because it hit the nail on the proverbial head. Or in this case, pinhead. :-)

Reply To This Message

Re: Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Author: Doug (---.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net)
Date: 05-27-08 15:59

Dang, Gavin. If you'd have asked we could have steered you away from all these rude Puero Ricans.

Reply To This Message

Re: Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Author: Jeannie G3 (---.asm.bellsouth.net)
Date: 05-27-08 16:10

Hola! When you travel, you are exposed to the good, the bad and the ugly of the place you are visiting. Unfortunately, it's sometimes the ugly that sticks to mind and overpowers the good experiences of our visit. I've visited places in Europe, most of the Antilles, Venezuela and living in the US have been fortunate to travel throughout. My husband, having been to even more places than I and therefore, more travel adventures, agrees with me that you will encounter awesome people and awful creatures that you'd wish would fall from the face of the earth. It seems to me, that you did enjoy your stay in San Juan and Culebra, did encounter the warm Puertorrican hospitality on both islands, did have a wonderful culinary experience, encountered the beauty of our beaches, underwater majesties and overall, had a great time. When you travel, you have to be prepared for whatever situation you may encounter, good or bad. Don't let a language barrier ruin a possible cultural exchange. It's how you react not act that you will come out victorious. The people of France do not like to speak English and that did not ruin my trip, quite the contrary, it gave me an opportunity to live like the French, pure immersion. We ran out of hot water in our flat in Spain and desperately wanted to shower after traveling for almost a day. I heated water on the stove and bathed remembering the days when water was shut off in PR. Later, you can laugh as you remember about those instances you were briefly inconvenienced. Join in on the party, be flexible, when you're given lemons, make lemonade, with PR rum of course. Learn from your experiences. On the eve of my adventure to Italy, I am reminded to be patient and have fun. I hope you will revisit PR with a different perspective and remember have fun, with the lemons, of course! LOL!!! Happy travels! J

supergarcia3

Reply To This Message

Re: Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Author: Gavin (---.midsouth.biz.rr.com)
Date: 05-27-08 17:29

WOW totally not surprised that you deleted the post - too bad for people who should hear it.

i didn't say i hated my trip at all - we loved it. just wish that the people we met were more hospitable.

we aren't arrogant americans - we approached everyone in a friendly way, spoke the language of the island, and tried to make friends with the locals but the honest truth is that 95% of the time they simply didn't care to do the same.

the first day we brushed it off our sholder and said it was just bad apples.. but after several days are running into the same ignorance and just rudeness we developed a bad taste.

i find it hard to believe that if any puerto rican went camping with their friends that they wouldn't be annoyed with a huge american family camping right next to them and making noise night and day and never even considering the fact that there were other people around.

so MJ, while you say that the 'gavins of the US' are the ones that everyone remembers - that sword goes both ways....

i don't blame puerto rico for not wanting to be a part of the US - its a random and awkward relationship - but thats not my fault. and yes the US has a reputation around the world, but i've dealt with that reputation everywhere that i've lived and traveled around the world - spain, france, england, jamaica, belize, mexico, even CUBA - and never have i come in contact with such disdain and attitude towards my country.

i'm not saying that all puerto ricans are like the ones that we encountered - i'm just saying that i wish we had met those puerto ricans instead of the ones we did.

we're a very low-key and easy-going group. it takes a lot of arrogance to piss us off.

while i know some of my words earlier were out of spite - people traveling to culebra should be able to read that. it wouldn't have changed our minds about coming had we known - but we would've been prepared for it then. we didn't come to hang out with 5,000 puerto ricans on flamenco. we came to enjoy ourselves - and we did. we'd love to come back to flamenco again, but this time we'll know what not to do.

Reply To This Message

Re: Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Author: Doug (---.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net)
Date: 05-27-08 17:42

Gavin,

Those of us who are old hands know that your characterization of Puerto Ricans is way off base. In 12 years of San Juan visits I've never come close to the stuff you claim. That suggests to me that your statement, "we didn't come to hang out with 5,000 puerto ricans on flamenco. we came to enjoy ourselves" speaks volumes about *you*, no one else. Time to look in the mirror, dude.

Doug

Reply To This Message

Re: Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Author: Gavin (---.38.40.69.ip.alltel.net)
Date: 05-27-08 19:11

thanks doug

Reply To This Message

Re: Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Author: MJ (---.coqui.net)
Date: 05-27-08 19:12

I can only sit back and wonder about bi-polarism with you, Gavin. One post, so despicable, and then this last one, almost, if not quite, reasonable. Very strange.

And while your ugly words might discourage some, I doubt it will affect the 1000's who have come here and camped here, many repeatedly. For such an experienced world traveler, you might acquaint yourself better with when to visit certain parts of the world if what you want is quiet, rather than a holiday atmosphere. It's really a quite simple matter and as Doug pointed out, all you had to do was ask on the forum - though it is already an issue that has been discussed repeatedly here.

I personally was and have been met with huge hospitality from the moment I got here (and camped at Flamenco). It was one of the major factors in deciding to make this my home. Have I never seen rudeness? Of course I have but nothing as bad as when I was a high school teacher in the states. Humans are humans, regardless of ethnicity, a fact you continue to forget in your derogatory generalizations.

Reply To This Message

Re: Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Author: Debbie (---.sip.asm.bellsouth.net)
Date: 05-27-08 19:14

Put it back up, Michael! It's a reflection on him, not people that know and appreciate the real Puerto Rican community.

I read it at work today, but I'm not allowed to post from there. I wanted to study it again before responding, but I see that what needed to be said has been said.

I like people like Gavin. His less than desirable experience means he likely won't go back and it leaves more room for the people that appreciate it. You know, like the 15 member Puerto Rican families that enjoy going to the beach. And me. :)

Reply To This Message

Re: Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Author: gotina (---.ny325.east.verizon.net)
Date: 05-27-08 19:43

Too bad I did not read the original post. Gavin - do you know what Americans are? Do you realize there are millions of people who consider themselves Americans, that do not live in the USA? It is people like you that give US citizens a bad name!

Reply To This Message

Re: Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Author: palmettoculebra (---.prtc.net)
Date: 05-27-08 19:52

I was too late to have read the original post, however in our time in Culebra we have found almost everyone to be incredibly friendly & helpful. I don't say this with "rose colored glasses" either, as we're well traveled & have been living overseas for the last 15+ yrs. In fact, we were IMPRESSED with just how friendly folks here are.

I'm sorry for your bad experience. I believe, that traveling during really peak times & having certain expectations can make situations more difficult.

In the end, every place is not for everyone, but I personally (heart!) PR & Culebra :)

http://www.palmettoculebra.com/

Reply To This Message

Re: Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Author: upflore1 (---.consolidated.net)
Date: 05-28-08 00:31

I missed Gavin's original post, but it sounds like he may have had a bad experience. He comes off as...well, condescending is an understatement.

We must look at ourselves first when relating with other cultures. Chances are that if a whole group of people are perceived as acting rudely, you may have yourself to blame.

During one of my trips to Vieques, I stopped off at a restaurant where a Caucasian lady with the charm of a rabid bulldog was complaining about everything. She complained about the rather delicious seafood served by the restaurant. Complained about the 'primitive' living conditions of the Island and the topper was when she complained about the hot weather in Vieques.....in August!

Needless to say, she insulted the cook and cashier and she got the well deserved crappy service. While I got excellent service!

The funniest part was when her teen son said that he didn't want to go back to "boring ol' New Hampshire". At that very moment, she stood up and had a conniption. Pointing her fingers into his face and yelling to the top of her lungs "You are so ungrateful!How many kids can say they are on a ski team?". Then she gathered her belongings and rushed out to her car, with the family following behind.....Quite the scene!

Point being that her son was having a blast while she was being a sourpuss. Two contradicting perceptions by people having the same experience.

Many travellers visit places expecting to be the center of attention and expecting to be put on a pedestal. My experience has been that once you stop being full of yourself, people of all backgrounds will open up to you.

Reply To This Message

Re: Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Author: Gavin (---.midsouth.biz.rr.com)
Date: 05-28-08 09:40

you guys are blowing this way out of proportion here -

i'm not a racist - never once did i use a racist or semi-racist term in any of my posts. so let's close that book.

yes, people have different experiences on vacations - thats the way it is. unfortunately for us, we didn't have the best of experiences.

we're a normal group of american college kids - open-minded, well-traveled, friendly, and always looking for a good time.

were we dissapointed with the people that we came in contact with? yes.

do i think that all puerto ricans are rude? no.

did we have a fantastic vacation? yes.

am i a racist for thinking any of these things? apparently you think so - which is just sad.

i can't relate to that woman from new hampshire - sorry - we confronted with the behavior that we encountered, we simply smiled and didn't entertain the jabs. we didn't want to argue, we just wanted to enjoy our vacation - which we did.

would i recommend Culebra and Puerto Rico for people to visit? of course.

so put away the swords peeps

Reply To This Message

Re: Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Author: MJ (---.coqui.net)
Date: 05-28-08 10:31

Racism def:

The belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others
~~~~~~~~~~~
Now, I could go line by line through your posts...or I could email you personally but oops! No I can't, you don't have your email address listed. Funny, that. But between what you posted here and what you personally sent to me, I do believe the word racism applies. Being an American college kid, I figure you have the ability to reference a dictionary?

And while I'm working on your education outside the classroom, try this one on for size, world traveler.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Xenophobia is a fear or contempt of those considered to be â€œforeignersâ€ or â€œstrangersâ€â€”anyone different from oneself. The target may be a group already present within a society, but not accepted as part of that society, or it can often refer to immigrants. Xenophobia is dangerous in that it has the potential to elicit hostile and violent reactions, such as mass expulsion of immigrants, or in the worst case, as weâ€™ve seen in Nazi Germany and again in Darfur, in genocide.
~~~~~~~~~~~

Does the phrase *hostile and violent reactions* ring a bell, you who would rip off the camp ground, and recommend that action to others because of a 20 dollar fee while maligning the woman running the place? You who considered spreading broken glass around the loud people who made your visit less than you wished it to be? You who berated (and that is a very light word compared to the reality of what you wrote) the appearance of a woman at the beach because she did not conform to your standards? You who advised me (assuming me to be the speedo person at the beach, which I'm also taking to me you think me to be male) to use cocaine or starve myself to death because "in your country" meaning PR, I'm a typically lazy person and the police don't care about the drug situation? And all of the above were, repeatedly referenced as "that Puerto Rican woman" "that Puerto Rican family" (and too big a family in your opinion), "those Puerto Rican kids".
There are no swords drawn here, unless you immediately assume that any disagreement with your perceptions should elicit violence. There is only an intense awareness, coupled with huge disgust, of your boorish and self-righteous written expression of your true feelings.

Reply To This Message

Re: Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Author: Trent (63.225.219.---)
Date: 05-28-08 10:40

Gavin, I can't speak objectively because I wasn't able to read your first post. But as I sit here and absorb the posts that followed, I can't help but think that your comments weren't even close to being "open-minded" or "friendly". And is this your idea of a good time?

Reply To This Message

Re: Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Author: Gavin (---.midsouth.biz.rr.com)
Date: 05-28-08 10:57

oh you're right - i'm just TERRIFIED of foreigners. that's it! you nailed it! everyone give MJ a round of applause - i'm just shaking in my "ignorant" american boots at the thought of foreigners. what an intelligent suggestion - you're brilliance blows me away. clearly i'm afraid of foreigners - that's why i love traveling to FOREIGN places so much.

yes i would rip off the camp ground - the woman lied to me. and while you make a $20 fee sound so insignificant, if it's that insignificant of a fee to them than it shouldn't be a big deal.

the broken glass was totally an exaggeration. they were obnoxiously rude and it infuriated us. would've we ACTUALLY done that? no. had they been just a little ruder would've choice words flown? yes. they're behavior was uncalled for and inconsiderate on a global human respect level.

now the cocain comment was serious... just kidding! that was just a joke - i would never recommend that someone do any of those things, they're very unhealthy. but i think that we would all agree that observing the whale-like people in their speedos or two-piece thongs was definitely not a appetizing. kudos for feeling that comfortable about your body, but maybe just maybe the rest of the world isn't comfortable with... not very considerate...

also - "put away your swords" is a metaphor. just in case you don't know - the definition of a metaphor is: a figure of speech in which a term or phrase is applied to something to which it is not literally applicable in order to suggest a resemblance, as in “A mighty fortress is our God.”

clarifying someone as "the puerto rican woman" or "the puerto rican kids" - is by no means a racist accusation - but merely a clarification.

and for the record, you made the statement of me not knowing if you're a man, which is true i have no idea. but you are speaking to me like i'm some drop-out racist frat boy, which i'm not by no means. i'm a middle-class black american that just graduated from an ivy. so please stop throwing around the race card and acting like a stereotypical complaining minority that gives all black and hispanic americans a bad rap.

Reply To This Message

Re: Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Author: Frank (---.static.gwi.net)
Date: 05-28-08 11:11

" ... i've lived and traveled around the world - spain, france, england, jamaica, belize, mexico, even CUBA ..." Gavin's quote from above.

I have to admit, Gavin is one up on me in this regard. Crap, when I had just graduated from college I was too busy trying to find a job and pay my rent to do that much traveling. Not that I had any money for an airplane ticket. As for during college, I went to school full-time and then sweated in a manufacturing plant in South Paris, Maine during the summer in order to help pay for that college. Gavin, count your blessings, it sounds like you've had a pretty good life, so far.

Having been fortunate enough to do a fair bit of traveling since those days, I can honestly say that I have never encountered friendlier people than those on Culebra. I am not arguing that Gavin did not experience what he says he experienced. Only he, after all, knows what happened. All I am saying is that either he had some one-in-a-million kind of really bad luck on Culebra, or that his dealings with the good folks on Culebra are a reflection of Gavin, not Culebra.

As far as the original post, Gavin ... be glad it was deleted. It did not portray you as "open-minded, well-traveled, friendly, and always looking for a good time." It made you look like a spoiled little brat with little tolerance for others. You may not be that way at all ... but that's what it portrayed.

Frank

Reply To This Message

Re: Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Author: Doug (---.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net)
Date: 05-28-08 11:34

Irony oozes from your post, dude. Ivy, huh? They used to require logic and humanities studies for graduation. Hopefully, you will spare yourself the agony of imperfect bodies, imperfect English, and pesky natives by selecting an alternative destination for your next vacation.

Reply To This Message

Re: Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Author: Frank (---.static.gwi.net)
Date: 05-28-08 12:19

True story ... only somewhat related. But maybe there's a point in here somewhere. Unusual for me, but what the heck!

Last year my wife, kids and I were flying from Chicago to Manchester, NH on Southwest Airlines. Everybody boards the plane (no assigned seats on Southwest) and we're ready to go.

The flight attendant gets on the intercom and announces that there is a mother traveling with two small children and the three of them are seperated. Would anybody be willing to switch seats so they could sit together? My wife and I volunteer ... not because we are saints but because it didn't seem like that big a deal. We'll just move three of us to free up the seats so this lady can sit with her two young children. (ages 1 + 3 I'd guess).

We get up to move and it turns out my wife and I are going to take the lady's seat, along with the seat of one of her kids. These seats are next to each other. Amazingly enough, there is a gentleman sitting in the 3rd seat of the row she was already sitting in. This perplexed me, as it would have made the most sense for the guy sitting in her row to give up his seat to the 2nd kid. Easier for everybody involved. But now the lady has to climb out of the window/middle and over the guy ... relocate to another row with her two young kids. My wife and I relocate into the two seats she vacated and the guy settles back into his spot.

My curiosity got the better of me, so later in the flight I asked the flight attendant why they didn't just ask the guy to move. She laughs and says that they did ask him and he replied "It's first-come first-served and this is my seat and I don't have to give it up for anybody". Fair enough, he's entitled to his seat ... even if it might have made the poor mom's life a little bit easier to move.

As the flight goes on, the guy in question pulls out his books. He's in his 20s I guess, and he's a student. Turns out he is a student at the Harvard Business School. A future titan of industry I am sure.

So I wrote a letter to the Dean of said business school and asked how an education from the Harvard Business School was going to do anybody any good if they couldn't even help a mother of two children out on an airplane. Ergonomics, economics, micro, macro, marketing, finance, coprporate takeovers ... blah blah blah ... if the esteemed institutions of higher learning couldn't turn out HUMAN BEINGS, what good were they doing? Never heard back.

But I did realize one thing: it's not necessarily the institution's fault. At some point in time, each of us as individuals has to take responsibility for our actions and do what we can to make the world a better place.

Or as a friend of mine once said "I went to an Ivy League school and realized pretty quickly that a fat wallet or a fancy diploma doesn't mean you're not an a######." Wise words from a wise Ivy-educated man.

The even better news? That friend of mine GETS Culebra with all it's nuances. Even reads this forum.

So friend of mine, this Medalla's for you. I'll take mine ice-cold with Felo at the Hotel Puerto Rico. :-)

Frank

Reply To This Message

Re: Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Author: MJ (---.coqui.net)
Date: 05-28-08 12:31

Edgukashun just ain't what it used to be..."an ivy", no less!

My favorite line has to be...."please stop throwing around the race card and acting like a stereotypical complaining minority that gives all black and hispanic americans a bad rap." Yep...that would be me. The psychic hot line must be in working order. It's true, I AM American.

Sigh. Sardonic, indignant sarcasm aside (and forgive my abuse of the forum, but I could not email Gavin directly, which was my first choice), I give up. Dealing with such a confused young person reminds me of telling someone while they are drunk why drinking is bad for you.

My only last suggestion is to take all of these posts, Gavin, and show them, all of them, to your mother and/or father or respected adult mentor in your life and get their take on what has gone back and forth here. Maybe that will help you understand where your being *misunderstood* is coming from. How does that appeal to you?

You are young, Gavin. The school of life doesn't end until you do. There's still hope!

Reply To This Message

Re: Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Author: MJ (---.coqui.net)
Date: 05-28-08 12:40

"At some point in time, each of us as individuals has to take responsibility for our actions and do what we can to make the world a better place."

Author! Author!

Reply To This Message

Re: Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Author: Mark Trent (---.midsouth.biz.rr.com)
Date: 05-28-08 13:35

I think we're all being a little too hard on Gavin here. We're all proud our Puerto Rican heritage, but let's be honest, there is an American stigma that follows them wherever they go.

According to our standard the people he encountered weren't incredibley rude. But we're a different culture. If we encountered similar behavior and situations in the USA we would be equally upset.

Gavin's intentions were probably just to tell other Americans about his encounters; but, clearly his emotions took over.

An Ivy League education doesn't mean anything when it comes down to human interaction. Gavin, you should know better than that. However, he presents a good point that Americans, particularly priviledged Americans, are constantly battling: pointing out "different" things in other cultures automatically labels them as racists.

Whether or not he is racist we'll never know; however, I don't think that any of the situations he described surprise us. We have a unique and beautiful culture that is unforuntately misunderstood by outsiders at times; just as we at times misunderstand other cultures.

It sounds to me like Gavin had a good trip and particularly enjoyed Culebra and the people of Culebra, which are different from those de la Isla Grande. Different in a good way. We also can't deny our islands' "secret" desire to be a seperate entity from Puerto Rico and the United States.

Gavin, I'm sorry you didn't encounter that which you thought you would've. The Caribbean atmosphere is different from that of Europe. We love it, that's why we live here. I'm sure we'd have things to complain about from a trip in America; no place is perfect. However, next time you might want to write your thoughts down and let them sit for a day before posting. I'm not sure if you're comments would've been met with more warmth had they been edited first (as I didn't read your original post); however, it never hurts to let your emotions settle.

Also Gavin, don't worry about the camp lady... I've had the same problem with her. She's a rotten apple and definitely not a good representation of the island or Puerto Rico, but calling her names doesn't get your money back.

ciao - MT

Reply To This Message

Re: Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Author: Mort (---.tampabay.res.rr.com)
Date: 05-28-08 13:37

When we were camping at Flamenco a few months back, we were faced with a group that was a camper's worst nightmares. It was the only bad experience we had in our ten-day stay.

This group camped for just one night, and settled into Section E, which is supposed to be the "quiet section".

Once darkness fell, they yelled and carried on till the wee hours. They beat on pots, pans and bottles while marching around chanting (yelling) a weird song. When they finally stopped that, they spent the next two hours drinking even more and using flash photography (which lit up the campground every few minutes). They even managed to get in a shouting match with the most mild-mannered camper I'd ever met.

They were.... American college students.

Reply To This Message

Re: Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Author: Mark Trent (---.midsouth.biz.rr.com)
Date: 05-28-08 13:38

Also - is it possible to repost his original text? This strand would be a good read for potential American tourists; not to scare them off, but to open their minds about what they can experience in Puerto Rico and Culebra.

Reply To This Message

Re: Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Author: upflore1 (---.carle.com)
Date: 05-28-08 14:12

Being a former college student myself (years and years ago), I can attest to the fact that we were usually the loudest and roudiest bunch at any event we would attend.
I've matured alot since then and am ashamed at times when I see these college kids acting the way I did. While in Culebra last year, there were a couple of moron college kids trying to get around my SUV on their scooter while drinking beer and blowing the horn at 11pm.
It's this type of antagonistic behavior that leads people of other cultures to jump to generalizations, further perpetuating the vicious cycle that continues to divide Americans from others.

It doesn't just happen in Culebra. You can see it in Cancun, and Hawaii. I have a Hawaiian friend that their are escalating racial tensions between natives and Americans.

Once again, we have to look in the mirror and figure out our faults before finding them in others!

Reply To This Message

Re: Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Author: upflore1 (---.carle.com)
Date: 05-28-08 14:59

Please excuse my typos and grammatical errors. I'm at work, trying to type during short breaks. :)

Reply To This Message

Re: Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Author: Frank (---.maine.res.rr.com)
Date: 05-28-08 15:32

Something I just noticed.

(OK OK I am a little slow)

The title of this thread:
Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Why just "Americans"?
Shouldn't it be something EVERYBODY should read?
The Swiss? Canadians?

Hmmmmm ....

Reply To This Message

Re: Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Author: Mark Trent (---.midsouth.biz.rr.com)
Date: 05-28-08 15:42

I noticed the same thing Frank, but then I realized that he's writing this from an American perspective - just as we're writing these from a Culebran/Puerto Rican perspective.

Besides, we all know the Swiss be neutral on the subject :) besides the fact that they'd probably never come to Culebra or Puerto Rico since the Mediterranean is in their backyard.

Reply To This Message

Re: Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Author: Michael (---.nyc.res.rr.com)
Date: 05-28-08 16:11

Well, I must say, I missed the original post myself; was gone for a few days. But alarming emails piled up in my inbox and I am glad it got deleted by a moderator. Glad because, as it was mentioned before, Gavin doesn't sound so bad, just young and Culebrenses are pretty hospitable and forgiving in their nature :)

Mark - you are aware of the sizable Swiss population in Culebra, are you not?

MJ - you did your best, thanks!

Enjoy Culebra!

Michael

Reply To This Message

Re: Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Author: Michael (---.nyc.res.rr.com)
Date: 05-28-08 16:16

Gavin - I just reread some pre-Culebra-visit posts of yours.

Quote:

as for the partying, we're party friendly :) as long as theres rum!

Also Mort more than warned you about holiday weekends. Why oh why would you expose yourself in such an unflattering manner, posting ugly stuff?

Enjoy Culebra!

Michael

Reply To This Message

Re: Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Author: richard (---.hsd1.dc.comcast.net)
Date: 05-29-08 03:28

bringing cultural, racial or ethnic differences into this thread or any other will (IMO) only dilute the issue and cause argument.

I've found people in PR (and ex-pat classmates) to be a little taciturn, that's just what it is.

still a beautiful place.

Want small and effusive, go to Italy. (Cinque Terre, Sestri Levanti among others)

Reply To This Message

Re: Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Author: richard (---.hsd1.dc.comcast.net)
Date: 05-29-08 13:03

I wasn't entirely clear when I posted that, taciturn is not a criticism. I'm fairly tight-lipped in a F2F situation until I know the person.

Reply To This Message

Re: Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Author: Ty Watson (---.dsl.stlsmo.sbcglobal.net)
Date: 05-29-08 15:19

For some reason I feel the need to post a response here...especially since I just wasted 10 minutes of my life reading it. One thing I have learned in my short time on this earth, 35 years, is that things have a tendency to work themselves out. Id say that its probably better that anyone who has issues with Culebra just stay away. It definitely isnt a place for everyone and that is what makes it beautiful...not only from the nature perspective but also the people. If you lack the ability to respect the people and culture of a different place then you dont need to be there. Americans do feel like they have the upper hand in any situation they go into that they are not familiar with and that is unfortunate. Half the fun is dealing with the situation at hand no matter how unfamiliar or how much you disagree with things...youre a guest so act like one. I was also unable to read the first post so I cannot speak about all the facts, which is unfortunate. If im camping and the neighbors are partying it up then join them...quit your bitching and have fun...thats why you are there.

Reply To This Message

Re: Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Author: Frank (---.maine.res.rr.com)
Date: 05-29-08 16:34

Well said Ty.

By the way, having that first post deleted saved you wasting another 5 minutes of your life! :-)

Reply To This Message

Re: Culebra - the good and THE BAD - all Americans should read before going!

Author: Larry Moores (---.pivot.net)
Date: 05-29-08 20:48

Frank....you're a Mainuh! Strong connections it seems between us folks and Culebra.

Gavin sounds a little spoiled. Reminds me of a BC brat. Needs to have the silver spoon removed from his mouth....lol.

Reply To This Message

Threaded View

Newer Topic | Older Topic